Pedophilia is a serious and worrying issue related to sexual criminality and child abuse, which poses a serious threat to society and requires a strong response from all to provide a safe environment for children and reduce the occurrence of these heinous crimes.

In this article we will talk about pedophilia, its types, and how to treat it?

What is Pedophilia?

Many people wonder is pedophilia a mental illness?

In fact, pedophilia is a sexual disorder characterized by strong sexual attraction to children aged 11 or younger. And we must understand that pedophilia is not just a sexual orientation but a physical violation and sexual abuse of children that destroys their lives and leaves deep psychological effects, including emotional and social serious effects, Their trust in others is affected, and they may have emotional and sexual problems.

What Causes Pedophilia?

There are multiple factors that may contribute to the formation of pedophilia such as genetic factors and personal experiences, including:

1. Exposure to sexual abuse in childhood.
2. Suffering from other psychiatric disorders such as mood disorders, anxiety disorder and other disorders.
3. Exposure to sexual stimuli that stimulate his sexual fiction or practice already.
4. Hormones Disorders such as masculine hormones, or serotonin.
5. It may be due to a genetic factor from a family member.

Types Of Pedophilia

They are divided into two types:

1. Individuals who are essentially sexually attracted to children not to adults.
2. Others have a sexual attraction to children and adults alike, although their attraction to children may be stronger or more stable.

Pedophilia Symptoms:

1. Repeating sexual thoughts and fantasies involving sexual interaction with a pre-puberty child.
2. Moving from just sexual motivations to actually engaging in sexual harassment of a child.
3. Feeling sexually attracted to children.

Pedophilia Treatment

Pedophilia is treated in one of the following ways:

– Cognitive behavioral treatment: Treatment is more effective if a person is willing to attend individual and group therapy, and has a responsibility to learn about healthy relationships.

– Do empathy exercises with the victim by assisting the perpetrator in thinking about the victim, and in the great harm he causes.

– Cognitive restructuring of positive ideas.

– Some antidepressants can be used that reduce libido and imagination, as well as reduce sex drive and erection.

If you are suffering from pedophilia, you can contact Dr. Mona Reda, a psychiatrist and sexual therapist to get your consultation with medical staff at the highest level to ensure a more stable healthy life.